Woman accused of pulling gun on shopper after argument at Publix

After the victim drove away from the parking lot with her two children, the suspect followed them.

Author:
Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat

Published:
7:50 AM EDT May 17, 2018

Updated:
3:21 AM EDT May 18, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- An argument between two shoppers at a Tallahassee Publix over who was next in line escalated into a frightening armed confrontation in the parking lot.

Jessica Mock, 36, of Havana, was arrested afterward on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, according to a Leon County Sheriff’s Office report.

Mock was about to check out Sunday at the Publix near Lake Jackson when she realized she’d forgotten to pick up Tupperware. She left her cart in the lane to get some and found another woman trying to check out ahead of her when she returned.

The two argued, and the victim moved to a different lane. They both checked out about the same time and left the store only seconds apart. Before leaving, the victim used an expletive and said, “I’ll meet you outside.” Mock replied, “I’ll see you outside.”

The victim unloaded her groceries and returned her cart, running into Mock again along the way. Mock pulled a small handgun from her waistband.

“(Mock) pointed the gun at (the victim),” the report says. “(The victim) stated she blacked out near this time. She stated she was in fear for her life when this occurred.”

The encounter didn’t end there. After the victim drove away from the parking lot with her two children, Mock followed them. The victim called law enforcement, who stopped Mock as she followed behind the victim on Fred George Road.

Mock denied being armed inside Publix, brandishing a gun or intentionally following the victim. However, deputies searched her car and found a holstered, silver revolver in the center console. They also found the victim’s vehicle tag written on a note. Mock was taken to the Leon County Detention Center and released Monday on $1,000 bail.